Description
Tuna Casserole is a hearty and comforting plant-based dish combining creamy plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and tender canned tuna with pasta and vibrant veggies. This easy-to-make casserole blends simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a rich, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners that appeals to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Pasta
- 2 cans quality tuna in water, drained
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or shell pasta (use gluten-free if desired)
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups creamy plant-based milk
- 1 ½ cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon plant-based butter, melted (for tossing breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Prepare the base ingredients: Cook pasta until just tender according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a separate pan, cook diced smoked turkey bacon until crisp to add a smoky crunch and texture contrast.
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together creamy plant-based milk, shredded plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Heat gently over low-medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Mix tuna and veggies: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, frozen peas, sautéed onions, garlic, and cooked turkey bacon. Pour in the creamy sauce and toss carefully to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Assemble and bake: Add the cooked pasta to the tuna mixture and stir gently to combine. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. If using, toss breadcrumbs with melted plant-based butter and sprinkle on top for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and topped with a golden crust.
Notes
- Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Avoid overcooking pasta; slightly firm pasta holds texture better after baking.
- Add sauce gradually to ensure even coating without making the dish runny.
- Toss breadcrumbs in plant-based butter before topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Let casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and facilitate easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: tuna casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, gluten-free, comfort food, casserole, weeknight meal, creamy tuna pasta
